Ethics Bill Brings Bipartisan 'Kum Ba Ya'

Believe it or not, bipartisan ethics reform legislation has been introduced in the Wisconsin legislature.

Today, the awaited ethics bill was introduced, merging the Ethics and Elections Board with a more powerful and autonomous Government Accountability Board. The leadership of Governor Doyle and legislative leaders in both parties and in both houses announced the introduction, with a special session called to get the bill passed this month.

The bill reflects some of the previous proposals, with important adjustments and augmentations. Kudos go to Governor Doyle, Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, Assembly Democratic Leader Jim Kreuser, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, Representatives Mark Gundrum and Jeff Fitzgerald, and others for working hard on seeing that this bill advances.

I believe this bill is a strong start to cleaning up both real and perceived problems at the State Capitol. If we can move this forward in a bipartisan fashion, we can hopefully move forward on other substantive issues of ethics and government.

On top of my list would include real campaign finance reform, efforts to get rid of fake "issue" ads, banning fundraising during the state budget deliberations and more.

There is no question that the voters schooled elected officials on this issue this past fall. Seats changed hands, long time incumbents lost their elections and editorial boards keep the issue of ethics reform alive. Perhaps more uniquely, legislators from both parties listened and DELIVERED.

This bill's model of all parties working together has been a great process, which if replicated, could mean a lot of wins for the people of Wisconsin.

I'm proud of my part in helping this bill advance. I hope we can move swiftly to get this passed by the end of January.

(I have to admit a lot of people may not like the bipartisan praise for my first post of the year, but it is deserved. A kinder, gentler Pocan? Hmmmmmmm.......)